Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a dedicated Child Protective Services Worker to ensure the safety and well‑being of Oregon’s children, navigating difficult situations with dignity, respect, and support.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others.

• Gather information through interviews and home observations to evaluate safety and risk in child abuse or neglect cases, taking protective action when necessary.
• Create safety and service plans that reflect each family's needs and connect them with medical, mental health, parenting, and community resources.
• Prepare accurate case documentation, including reports, assessments, safety plans, and notes.
• Engage in child safety meetings and collaborate effectively with families, professionals, and community partners.
• Testify in court hearings and initiate court action when needed.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• One of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
  • Bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services with either one year of Human Services experience or completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
  • Associate degree with two years of Human Services experience, or one year of experience plus related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Experience alone does not meet the minimum qualifications for positions engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations.

• Experience working independently and in a team to complete tasks and projects.
• Experience organizing work, managing time, and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Experience writing clear, complete, and concise documents with minimal errors.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel to create, edit, and maintain documents or spreadsheets.
• Experience working with people from varied backgrounds using culturally responsive practices.

Work takes place in offices, participants' homes, and community sites. Frequent travel is required. The schedule is Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm PT, with occasional overtime, evening and weekend work, and a rotating on‑call schedule. The role involves traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and assisting children (up to 50pounds) in and out of car seats, requiring quick decision‐making to ensure safety.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until reaching the top of the salary range).
• Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Employment preference for Veterans and Oregon National Guard members.